Teaching English in Thailand: first steps...

[snagged]

It's early days but I am considering this as a long term move. Ideally, I understand a TEFL Certificate is required (an intensive course at a cost of approx �1200)... I am of course willing to do this - and anything else required to achieve my goal. I have no prior teaching experience. I also understand that having a Degree (in any subject) is also a prerequisit for this type of job. I do not have a Degree but do have National and Higher National Diplomas: would these qualifications be seen as the equivalent of a Degree in the context of what I am trying to acheive? Am I being unrealistic not having any prior teaching experience or a Degree? I do know people have been successful in getting teaching jobs in Thailand without prior experience but that was a while ago and requirements may have changed now. I am finding out information regarding all of this for myself but wondered if anyone on AB had any relevant personal experiences they could share? Any advice or recommendations would be gratefully received! Thanks in advance.

[charliebaps]

You need to make enquiries at some of the TEFL course providers. There is usually a test to take before you can start the course but ask thwm how strict they are on demanding a degree. I did mine a number of years ago and there was a girl o the course who didn't havea degree but she did have some volunteer teaching experience. The TEFL market abroad, and here, has been saturated of late and the more experience and qualifications you have, the better chance of finding long term work. If working abroad for a long time then I would do more research into pay and conditons of contract. Good luck, but your first port of call is to the colleges running the courses to ask about your education.

[mikey0118]

Firstly, why Thailand? There are lots of other countries in Asia where teaching is possible, without a TEFL Certificate. I returned from teaching in Korea recently, and I never needed a certificate. I should also point out that the pay in Korea is considerably higher than Thai schools.

And again, I also studied for a HND - but this is not a degree. If you are applying to schools where a degree is required (and with TEFL, they always seem to be), I wouldn't waste my time. I studied for my BA top-up at University, making my HND a Bachelor's Degree with honours.